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Computer and Information Systems Manager
Most organizations rely on information technology (IT) to efficiently conduct their business operations. Computer and information systems managers design, develop, and supervise an organization's IT infrastructure. They also conduct research and coordinate activities related to an organization's IT infrastructure. Collaborating closely with other supervisors, they develop organizational objectives and then set-up IT networks to meet these objectives. They supervise every technical component of a company, which could include network security, software design, and other operations related to technology.
Information systems and computer managers supervise other IT specialists, including systems analysts, support specialists, programmers, and software engineers. They prepare and direct technology-related activities, including software installation, computer programming, and network development and security. More IT managers are now responsible for updating, securing, and maintaining computer networks. They assess their companies' operational needs and decide what technology to purchase and what type of employees to hire. They also assign responsibilities to employees they supervise and participate in seminars and other conferences to stay up-to-date with current technology changes and advancements.
The responsibilities of IT managers usually depend on the type of organization they work for. For example, chief technology officers (CTOs) analyze the current and most advanced technology and decide how it could improve productivity at their companies. They determine technical standards, make sure their companies have the necessary technology, and manage employees specializing in IT and other technical fields. After a helpful device has been located, the CTO decides how to utilize it. The CTO is also responsible for performing cost-benefit analysis and proposing ideas to better utilize technology within their companies to senior-managers, which could include the chief information officer (CIO).
Information technology (IT) or management information systems (MIS) directors oversee their companies' computing assets. They usually perform their duties under the supervision of chief information officers. IT and MIS directors also supervise IT and other technical specialists. These directors make sure their companies' networks are secure from online threats and function property. IT and MIS directors are also responsible for managing numerous technical divisions, establishing standards, and spearheading new projects.
IT project managers prepare budgets, initiate group efforts to improve IT efficiency, and establish performance standards. They organize projects, set goals, and work closely with IT specialists assigned to production enhancement projects. Many IT project managers are now responsible for determining how to improve network security when upgrading networks.
Work environment. Information systems and computer managers usually spend their days in comfortable and clean office buildings. It's not unusual for them to work long hours since they frequently work nights and weekends to resolve problems. During 2008, nearly 25 percent of these managers were required to work 50 hours or more each week. Working as an information systems and computer manager can be stressful since they are frequently required to meet deadlines and work with small budgets. As more work is completed remotely, managers will be responsible for corresponding frequently with employees working from home and living in foreign countries.
Information systems and computer managers are rarely injured on the job, but since they spend many hours each day working in front of a computer, they must take precautions to avoid eyestrain, back pain, and problems associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Training and Qualifications
Information systems and computer managers usually have advanced computer skills and basic knowledge of management and business concepts. Many firms seeking to fill management positions look for those with prior work experience and a college degree.
Education and training. Most companies seek to fill management position with candidates holding bachelor's degrees in a field related to computer technology; however, many companies prefer their managers to possess graduate degrees, specifically MBAs. Many managers majored in management information systems (MIS), information science, or computer science during college.
It usually requires about 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree. Most students enrolled in computer technology-related bachelor's degree programs are required to complete courses in statistics, math, English, computer engineering, programming, and computer science. MIS programs are usually sponsored by business schools, and students earning bachelor's degrees in MIS must complete courses in network security, database administration, networking, systems development, management, accounting, and finance.
It usually takes about 2 years to complete a MBA program. However, those interested in earning MBAs must first earn a bachelor's degree. Students earning MBAs are required to complete courses in systems management, e-business, database administration, accounting, and marketing.
Some information systems and computer managers only have associate's degrees or professional certificates, but they usually had extensive work experience prior to their promotion. To enhance their earning potential and job opportunities, many managers enroll in college programs to obtain bachelor's or graduate degrees.
Computer and information systems managers should have a broad skill-set. Companies seek individuals who understand computer science, software programming, and network technology. In most cases, this knowledge is developed after years of schooling or working. Another way to develop knowledge about specific technology is to complete a professional certification program. Most companies do not require their managers to complete certification programs, but earning a professional certification is a great way to develop new skills and enhance knowledge, which can improve earning potential and job opportunities. These professional certification programs are frequently technology-specific, so they are usually sponsored by software or hardware development companies.
Computer and information systems managers should also be very knowledgeable about basic business concepts. Since most organizations rely heavily on IT, these managers frequently make key business decisions. Therefore, many companies hire managers with experience in sales, consulting, or business administration. Managers should also be effective communicators and leaders since they are responsible for supervising staff members and divvying out work assignments. They also should have the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to customers, other managers, and individuals without a technical background.
Advancement. Many information systems managers are promoted to positions of greater responsibility within their companies' IT divisions gradually through the course of their careers. For example, many project managers work as chief technology officers before getting promoted to work as chief information officers. Sometimes, these managers work for the human resources, marketing, and sales departments since technology companies prefer to hire managers with technical expertise in every department.
Employment
During 2008, there were 293,000 information systems and computer managers employed throughout the United States. Nearly 16 percent were employed by companies specializing in computer networks design. Many of these managers worked for companies that offer contracted IT services, such as computer facilities management, integration, and programming services. These types of management specialists were also employed by factories, business management firms, government agencies, and banks and brokerage firms.
Job Outlook
Job growth in this industry is projected to increase at a rate higher than average growth in other industries. Therefore, skilled information systems and computer managers should have plenty of job opportunities to select from.
Employment change. Job growth for information systems and computer managers is projected to increase by 17 percent through 2018. New uses for technology at work will increase demand for new employees, which will increase the need for talented managers. To increase their business, companies will continue to update and install state-of-the-art networks and intranets and design flashy websites. Companies will need to upgrade to the newest software and fix any encountered bugs. It will be the responsibility of information systems and computer managers to supervise these network additions or alterations.
Since important business operations are conducted over computer networks, online security will be a pressing concern for all organizations, which will also increase demand for qualified managers. Companies will also hire more security specialists to work in their IT divisions.
The demand for information systems and computer managers will be correlated to the job growth of other specialists they manage.
Among these management specialists, job growth is projected to be highest in companies specializing in consulting services, Internet hosting, data processing, software publishing, and computer network design.
Job prospects. Job opportunities for talented information systems and computer managers should be outstanding. Those with effective business and communications skills, specialized knowledge, or a MBA with an emphasis in IT should have plenty of job opportunities to choose from. Opportunities will also become available in this field as managers retire or make career transitions.
Earnings
Salaries for information systems and computer managers differ in each field and specialty. During 2008, median annual earnings for these specialists were $112,210. Those in the 50th percentile made anywhere from $88,240-141,890 a year. The following are the median yearly salaries in the fields where the majority of information systems managers were employed during 2008:
Most information systems managers receive large annual salaries and numerous benefits, including frequent bonuses, stock options, and expense accounts.
Information systems and computer managers supervise other IT specialists, including systems analysts, support specialists, programmers, and software engineers. They prepare and direct technology-related activities, including software installation, computer programming, and network development and security. More IT managers are now responsible for updating, securing, and maintaining computer networks. They assess their companies' operational needs and decide what technology to purchase and what type of employees to hire. They also assign responsibilities to employees they supervise and participate in seminars and other conferences to stay up-to-date with current technology changes and advancements.
The responsibilities of IT managers usually depend on the type of organization they work for. For example, chief technology officers (CTOs) analyze the current and most advanced technology and decide how it could improve productivity at their companies. They determine technical standards, make sure their companies have the necessary technology, and manage employees specializing in IT and other technical fields. After a helpful device has been located, the CTO decides how to utilize it. The CTO is also responsible for performing cost-benefit analysis and proposing ideas to better utilize technology within their companies to senior-managers, which could include the chief information officer (CIO).
Information technology (IT) or management information systems (MIS) directors oversee their companies' computing assets. They usually perform their duties under the supervision of chief information officers. IT and MIS directors also supervise IT and other technical specialists. These directors make sure their companies' networks are secure from online threats and function property. IT and MIS directors are also responsible for managing numerous technical divisions, establishing standards, and spearheading new projects.
IT project managers prepare budgets, initiate group efforts to improve IT efficiency, and establish performance standards. They organize projects, set goals, and work closely with IT specialists assigned to production enhancement projects. Many IT project managers are now responsible for determining how to improve network security when upgrading networks.
Work environment. Information systems and computer managers usually spend their days in comfortable and clean office buildings. It's not unusual for them to work long hours since they frequently work nights and weekends to resolve problems. During 2008, nearly 25 percent of these managers were required to work 50 hours or more each week. Working as an information systems and computer manager can be stressful since they are frequently required to meet deadlines and work with small budgets. As more work is completed remotely, managers will be responsible for corresponding frequently with employees working from home and living in foreign countries.
Information systems and computer managers are rarely injured on the job, but since they spend many hours each day working in front of a computer, they must take precautions to avoid eyestrain, back pain, and problems associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Training and Qualifications
Information systems and computer managers usually have advanced computer skills and basic knowledge of management and business concepts. Many firms seeking to fill management positions look for those with prior work experience and a college degree.
Education and training. Most companies seek to fill management position with candidates holding bachelor's degrees in a field related to computer technology; however, many companies prefer their managers to possess graduate degrees, specifically MBAs. Many managers majored in management information systems (MIS), information science, or computer science during college.
It usually requires about 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree. Most students enrolled in computer technology-related bachelor's degree programs are required to complete courses in statistics, math, English, computer engineering, programming, and computer science. MIS programs are usually sponsored by business schools, and students earning bachelor's degrees in MIS must complete courses in network security, database administration, networking, systems development, management, accounting, and finance.
It usually takes about 2 years to complete a MBA program. However, those interested in earning MBAs must first earn a bachelor's degree. Students earning MBAs are required to complete courses in systems management, e-business, database administration, accounting, and marketing.
Some information systems and computer managers only have associate's degrees or professional certificates, but they usually had extensive work experience prior to their promotion. To enhance their earning potential and job opportunities, many managers enroll in college programs to obtain bachelor's or graduate degrees.
Computer and information systems managers should also be very knowledgeable about basic business concepts. Since most organizations rely heavily on IT, these managers frequently make key business decisions. Therefore, many companies hire managers with experience in sales, consulting, or business administration. Managers should also be effective communicators and leaders since they are responsible for supervising staff members and divvying out work assignments. They also should have the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to customers, other managers, and individuals without a technical background.
Advancement. Many information systems managers are promoted to positions of greater responsibility within their companies' IT divisions gradually through the course of their careers. For example, many project managers work as chief technology officers before getting promoted to work as chief information officers. Sometimes, these managers work for the human resources, marketing, and sales departments since technology companies prefer to hire managers with technical expertise in every department.
Employment
During 2008, there were 293,000 information systems and computer managers employed throughout the United States. Nearly 16 percent were employed by companies specializing in computer networks design. Many of these managers worked for companies that offer contracted IT services, such as computer facilities management, integration, and programming services. These types of management specialists were also employed by factories, business management firms, government agencies, and banks and brokerage firms.
Job Outlook
Job growth in this industry is projected to increase at a rate higher than average growth in other industries. Therefore, skilled information systems and computer managers should have plenty of job opportunities to select from.
Employment change. Job growth for information systems and computer managers is projected to increase by 17 percent through 2018. New uses for technology at work will increase demand for new employees, which will increase the need for talented managers. To increase their business, companies will continue to update and install state-of-the-art networks and intranets and design flashy websites. Companies will need to upgrade to the newest software and fix any encountered bugs. It will be the responsibility of information systems and computer managers to supervise these network additions or alterations.
Since important business operations are conducted over computer networks, online security will be a pressing concern for all organizations, which will also increase demand for qualified managers. Companies will also hire more security specialists to work in their IT divisions.
The demand for information systems and computer managers will be correlated to the job growth of other specialists they manage.
Among these management specialists, job growth is projected to be highest in companies specializing in consulting services, Internet hosting, data processing, software publishing, and computer network design.
Job prospects. Job opportunities for talented information systems and computer managers should be outstanding. Those with effective business and communications skills, specialized knowledge, or a MBA with an emphasis in IT should have plenty of job opportunities to choose from. Opportunities will also become available in this field as managers retire or make career transitions.
Earnings
Salaries for information systems and computer managers differ in each field and specialty. During 2008, median annual earnings for these specialists were $112,210. Those in the 50th percentile made anywhere from $88,240-141,890 a year. The following are the median yearly salaries in the fields where the majority of information systems managers were employed during 2008:
- Software publishers $126,840
- Computer systems design and related services 118,120
- Management of companies and enterprises 115,150
- Depository credit intermediation 113,380
- Insurance carriers 109,810
Most information systems managers receive large annual salaries and numerous benefits, including frequent bonuses, stock options, and expense accounts.